Discover the exceptional properties of SAE AISI 1020 Steel, including C1020 Carbon Steel Yield Strength and its equivalents.
Premium ASTM SAE AISI 1020 Steel
AISI 1020 steel, also known as C1020 steel, is available in cold worked (cold rolled or cold drawn) conditions. This highly versatile plain carbon steel offers excellent machinability and weldability. Typically, SAE AISI 1020 mild steel is hot rolled or cold drawn, then turned and polished or provided in cold drawn conditions. Its low carbon content ensures resistance to induction or flame hardening.
Comprehensive Guide to AISI SAE 1020 Steel Properties & Specifications
The data sheet below showcases the comprehensive properties of SAE AISI 1020 steel, covering its chemical composition, physical and mechanical properties, and more.
Detailed Chemical Composition
Key Physical Properties
Melting Point: 1515°C (2760°F)
Density of 1020 Steel: 7.87 g/cm³ (0.0361 lbs/in³)
Notes: 10
-6
/K = 10
-6
.K
-1
= (µm/m)/°C
Mechanical Properties of SAE AISI 1020 Mild Steel
The following data provides insights into the mechanical properties of AISI SAE 1020 steel, including yield strength, tensile strength, elongation, section reduction, and hardness under various conditions.
AISI SAE 1020 carbon steel Young's modulus (modulus of elasticity) in the as-received condition: 186 GPa (27×10
6
psi).
Machinability Rating
The machinability of AISI SAE 1020 carbon steel is rated at 65, based on a 100% machinability rating for 1212 steel.
Heat Treatment of SAE AISI 1020 Steel
Explore the heat treatment processes for SAE AISI 1020 mild steel, including normalizing, annealing, austenitizing, and more.
Normalizing Process for AISI 1020
The typical normalizing temperature for SAE AISI 1020 mild steel is 915°C (1675°F).
Annealing Process for AISI 1020
Recommended temperature and cooling cycle for full annealing of small carbon steel forgings (size ≤ 3 in.):
Annealing temperature ranges from 855-900°C (1575-1650°F), with a cooling cycle from 855°C (1575°F) to 700°C (1290°F), utilizing furnace cooling at a rate of 28°C/h (50°F/h). Brinell hardness is between 111-149 HB.
Reheating (Austenitizing) Process
Reheating (austenitizing) temperatures for hardening SAE 1020 steel is between 760-790°C (1400-1450°F). Carburizing is typically performed at 900 to 925°C (1650 to 1700°F).
Case Hardening Techniques
The surface hardening carburization temperature for 1020 carbon steel ranges from 970-955°C. It is often conducted in a mixed gas environment of methane and carrier gas. Post-carburizing, hardening is usually achieved via direct quenching from the carburizing temperature into water or brine.
Exemplary Heat Treatment for SAE 1020 Case Hardening
- Optimal Carbon Temperature: 900-925 °C (1650-1700 °F). Cooling Method: Water or Caustic Solution;
- Reheat Temperature: 790 °C (1450 °F). Cooling Method: Water or 3% Sodium Hydroxide Solution;
- Carbonitriding Process Temperature: 790-900 °C (1450-1650 °F). Cooling Method: Oil;
- Tempering Temperature Range: 120-205 °C (250-400 °F). This process is crucial for stress relief and enhancing *** resistance, though not mandatory.
Standard Forging Temperature
The Recommended Forging Temperature for AISI 1020 Mild Steel is 1290 °C (2350 °F).
Welding Guidelines for AISI 1020 Carbon Steel
Recommended Preheat and Interpass Temperatures for AISI SAE C1020 Steel:
For thickness ≤50mm (2 inches), maintain preheat and interpass temperature above -12 °C for low hydrogen; 38 °C for other types.
For thickness between 50mm and 100mm, maintain a preheat and interpass temperature of 93 °C for low hydrogen; 150 °C for other applications.
Post-Weld Heat Treatment is Optional. Recommended Temperature: 590-675 °C (1100-1250 °F).
Applications of ASTM AISI SAE 1020 Steel
ASTM AISI SAE 1020 Steel is versatile with numerous semi-finished products such as square, flat, and round steel bars, as well as steel plates. These are ideal for manufacturing truck, automotive, and agricultural parts including axles, mechanical components, cold-headed bolts, motor shafts, pump shafts, ratchets, light gears, gear drives, worm gears, spindles, seat brackets, crane-cable drums, motor-brake wheels, and more. It is also commonly transformed into steel channels, angles, I-beams, and H-beams.
Equivalent Materials for AISI SAE ASTM 1020 Steel
SAE ASTM AISI 1020 Carbon Steel is equivalent to European EN (Germany DIN EN, British BSI, French NF), Japanese JIS, and Chinese GB standards.
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